New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed on Wednesday that the state has recorded its fourth measles case this year, prompting a decisive appeal for help from community leaders to promote vaccinations.

Hochul emphasized the importance of disseminating accurate information about the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, highlighting the risks posed by low vaccination rates among young children.

"Help us encourage everyday New Yorkers, who want only the best for their families, to get the vaccination. There are numbers that are still deeply troubling," Hochul stated, directly addressing clergy, activists, and community advocates.

According to data from city and state health departments, only about 81% of New York's 2-year-olds have received their first dose of the MMR vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive this vaccination between 12 and 15 months of age. The situation is particularly concerning in certain counties where vaccination rates are significantly lower. Experts agree that a vaccination rate of 95% is required to achieve herd immunity.

The recent cases include three reported in New York City and one in Suffolk County, and health officials noted that these cases are not related to one another, thus not posing an immediate cause for alarm. However, with New York having seen 14 cases of measles last year, Hochul is keen to "sound the alarm" to prevent potential outbreaks as vaccination rates remain precariously low among young children.

The latest case involved an adult who had traveled internationally, raising concerns about exposure risks for those around them. Reports have varied on whether this individual was vaccinated. The three earlier cases involved children who had not yet reached the vaccination age.

As outbreaks persist across states like Texas and New Mexico, over 300 cases of measles have been documented in the U.S. this year, surpassing totals for all of 2024, as noted by the CDC. Hochul is particularly worried about ongoing outbreaks in neighboring Ontario, Canada, a region frequented by many residents of upstate New York.

In response to ongoing vaccine skepticism, Hochul expressed frustration that, in 2025, the safety and efficacy of vaccines still seems to be up for debate. She criticized recent statements made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for perpetuating doubts about vaccinations while conceding their role in protecting both individuals and communities.

As the situation develops, Governor Hochul's administration is calling for urgent action to bolster vaccination efforts across the state, aiming to mitigate the potential risks of further measles outbreaks amidst ongoing public health challenges. The health and safety of New Yorkers, especially children, hang in the balance as vaccine advocacy becomes a crucial focal point in the state’s public health strategy.